Bellamy: I'm ready to quit playing and want to learn how to become a coach abroad

Craig Bellamy will bring down the curtain on 15 years’ service to Wales when his country’s qualifying campaign ends next month in Belgium.

Controversial and colourful, the arch-patriot has always maintained that he would never turn his back on his country. But time waits for no man. The 34-year-old, often irascible but always forthright and honest in his views, was in surprisingly reflective mood after Wales’ defeat in Macedonia as he chewed the fat on a variety of subjects...

The end? Craig Bellamy is ready to retire at the end of the season

On his future with Wales and Cardiff City

I don’t think the next campaign is going to be possible for me. I’ve always said I wouldn’t retire from playing for my country and I really want this group to succeed.

If I started, I would be robbing someone else of two matches, four matches of vital experience.

I’ve thought about it really hard. I’m a single parent now and I’m having such a battle to see my kids on a daily basis.

It’s so hard. Then, being away for 10 days... I’m not the only dad who has to go through it, but if you experienced it, you would understand.

Difficult travel: The striker says he struggles being away from his children

You lads know it’s work but as far as they are concerned, I’m just having a great time in Macedonia.

My mood does change. I know I could change what I’m thinking.

But the way I’m feeling now, it could be my last season in football. I have got so much to look forward to.

Life isn’t just about football. The adventure starts when you finish. And I’m looking forward to that.I’ve been playing at a professional level for 17, 18 years now and there’s more to life. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve cherished every moment of it.

More to life than football? Bellamy said he's looking forward to his next adventure

On the form of Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey

It’s the best I’ve seen him. I’ve taken more of an interest in him than any other Wales player because his father is from the same area of Cardiff as I am. I knew him coming up as a kid.

When something like that injury happens to you, you have a lot to deal with.

He’s had a couple of personal issues going on that people don’t know about and also you don’t really know what goes on in a young footballer’s mind.

But what he has been through, the injuries and everything else has helped him to become the player he is.

There isn’t a person out there in football who didn’t expect that kind of performance from him at the moment. He has been capable of it. We are now seeing it.

Bright spark: Bellamy has been hugely impressed by Aaron Ramsey

On Gareth Bale

It’s new for us. We have had Ryan Giggs, don’t get me wrong, but this is different. It’s a great time for us to market our country and tell everyone about the good things we have.

It’s not every day that you can boast the world’s most expensive player as one of yours. As a group of players we will try to look after him. He’s a great lad. I’m not saying they will erect a statue of him in Cardiff straight away, so we are learning as we go.

I’ve seen it with Giggsy. This is different. It’s great because of the recognition our nation will get. He’s not a bad player now, is he?

One of our own: Gareth Bale will be looked after by his Wales team-mates

The future for Wales

Against Macedonia we gave away a daft goal away from a free-kick - again. That’s nine goals we have conceded now from set-pieces in this qualification campaign. And, as well as we have played, it’s hurt us.

Our style of play is suited to the players we have, but I feel we can do a bit more. I think sometimes it gets too easy for us. And that’s not something I’ve said often when talking about a Wales shirt. If we could just turn that great possession into goals then we would have a chance of really doing something.

When you look at the likes of Jonny Williams.... he is such a good player. Rambo (Ramsey), brilliant. Baley to come in. It’s frustrating. Really frustrating.

Tough to take: Wales had plenty of the ball in Macedonia but couldn't turn that into goals

Looking ahead to coaching

I’ve got my A licence already. I’m doing my Pro licence and after that I’m going to travel around the world — Spain, Argentina — to learn my craft. I don’t just want to go in and mess about. When I go in, I’m going to be prepared — and I’m going to stay in.